ORIGINAL PAPER
Dual-task exercise as a therapy for executive motor function in Parkinson’s disease
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1
Physiology Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
2
Physical Education Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
Submission date: 2017-09-20
Acceptance date: 2017-11-24
Publication date: 2018-04-12
Hum Mov. 2018;19(1):57-63
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ABSTRACT
Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise with dual-task on the motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Methods:
Clinically evaluated by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale – III and the Senior Fitness Test battery, 20 patients with Parkinson’s disease were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group, with the latter performing a 4-week program of water-walking in a deep pool while executing dual-tasks. Evaluations were made before and after 4 weeks in both groups.
Results:
Patients with Parkinson’s disease revealed significant improvements in pre-/post-exercise motor function, with a moderate effect (p < 0.001; d = 0.44). Bradykinesia (p < 0.001) and agility (p < 0.001) exhibited significant changes individually.
Conclusions:
Regular exercise combined with executive challenge such as dual-task may counteract the advanced motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease neurodegeneration.